Masters in Athletic Training
Overview
Educational preparation of athletic trainers at Indiana dates back as far as 1949. Since then the athletic training program has continued to develop under guidelines established by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). This program is now highly regarded by those seeking to earn an advanced degree and to professionalize the skills necessary to be a successful athletic trainer.
Indiana's program is classified as a Post Certificate Graduate Education Program (PCGE), meaning that it is designed to provide advanced preparation for individuals who are certified by the NATABOC. The Master of Science degree with specialization in Athletic Training may be earned through the Department of Kinesiology. Indiana University is one of only three institutions in the United States to offer accredited curricula at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Indiana University’s master's program includes a combination of classroom, clinical, and laboratory experiences as part of the two year degree. Selection for admission is competitive and limited to six candidates per year. Admission to the program is predicated on NATABOC certification or eligibility for certification as well as completion of the bachelor's degree. Career goals, previous experiences in athletic training, and scholastic performance are considered during the selection and admission process.
The structure of the program provides the student with the unique opportunity to be exposed to different philosophies and techniques (taught by a talented and experienced faculty and professional staff) Graduate students work closely with Indiana University's Athletics Department as well as the community school corporations to provide athletic health care for intercollegiate and interscholastic athletes.
Career Opportunities
Certified Athletic Trainers can find employment opportunities in the following settings:
Secondary Schools
Public and private schools offer special job opportunities for athletic trainers.
Many athletic trainers in the high school setting also teach in various academic subjects.
Colleges and Universities
Institutions of higher education have historically been recognized places for employment for athletic trainers. The job responsibilities generally fall into two categories:
- Athletic department staff assignment
- Combination faculty/athletic trainer.
Employment in this setting remains stable with little turnover. A majority of colleges and universities require a master's degree for employment.
Private or Hospital Based Clinics
Corporate and hospital based physical therapy and sport medicine clinics employ the services of athletic trainers. The job responsibilities vary greatly depending upon the regulatory practice acts in their state. Positions often fall into two categories:
- Full time clinic athletic trainer typically treating physically active individuals
- Full time employee of the clinic, working half days in the clinic treating patients and the afternoons in a secondary school setting
This setting has been the predominant area for job availability for the past several years.
Corporate or Industrial Setting
Industrial athletic trainers work for major companies in the facility's health center in the plant. Their job responsibilities involve site analysis, work hardening, fitness assessment, and screening plus the traditional athletic training tasks of evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of injury.
Professional Settings
An extremely small percentage of athletic trainers work in the professional sports arena. These positions have very little turnover.
Degree Requirements
Master of Science in Kinesiology
Emphasis in Athletic Training
51 credit hours with a minimum 3.0 GPA required for graduation
Required Courses
|
Credits |
| Fall |
||
| HPER T590 | Introduction to Research in HPER | 3 |
| HPER A610 | Research Seminar in Athletic Training I | 2 |
| HPER A581 | Athletic Training Principles for the Spine | 3 |
| HPER A587 | Athletic Training Principles for Upper Extremities | 3 |
| HPER A603 | Practicum | 2 |
Spring |
||
| HPER T591 | Interpretation of Data in HPER | 3 |
| HPER A610 | Research Seminar in Athletic Training I | 2 |
| HPER A590 | Athletic Training Principles for Lower Extremities | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
|
| HPER A603 | Practicum | 2 |
| Fall |
||
| HPER A611 | Research Seminar in Athletic Training II | 2 |
| HPER A585 | Rehabilitation and Conditioning of Athletes | 3 |
| HPER A603 | Practicum | 2 |
| HPER K602 | Independent Study & Research | 3 |
Spring |
||
| HPER A611 | Research Seminar in Athletic Training II | 2 |
| HPER A584 | Administration of Athletic Training | 3 |
| HPER A582 | Current Topics in Athletic Training | 3 |
| HPER A603 | Practicum | 2 |
| HPER K602 | Independent Study & Research | 2 |
Summer |
||
| HPER A588 | Anatomical Basis of Athletic Injuries | 3 |
Admissions
Prerequisite for admission to the postgraduate Athletic Training program:
- Submission of all application materials to HPER.
- Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
- Admission to Indiana University and to HPER.
- NATA certification or having taken the exam by June before an anticipated fall admission.
For more information about admissions and application materials please contact:
Program Coordinator:
Dr. John W. Schrader, HSD, ATC, LAT
Phone:( 812) 856-4905
E-mail: schrade@indiana.edu
Program Faculty:
Dr. Carrie L. Docherty, PhD, ATC, LAT
Phone: (812) 856-6035
E-mail: cdochert@indiana.eduJerry D. Wilkerson, Executive Associate Dean
School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
Office of the Dean
1025 East 7th Stret, HPER 111C
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN 47405-4801
Phone: (812) 855-1561
http://www.hper.indiana.edu
E-mail: HPER@indiana.edu
